Winter hit us hard recently. There’s been snow, freezing rain, freezing temperatures, plenty of salt thrown down, and ice forming on just about every surface. You can bet your home has been working hard to protect you from the elements, so now it’s time to show it some love. 

Here are a few home maintenance tips for January and February:

Inspect your furnace

Your furnace has been working hard for a while now. Your filter, heat recovery ventilator, and buff belt are exhausted and require some upkeep. You can either wash or replace your filter and clean and check the ductwork leading to your HRV. To look at your fan belt, you’re going to want to turn off the circuit breaker into the furnace, then unscrew the front entrance panel. If the belt has been broken, then it is likely you would be able to replace it yourself, but we recommend hiring a professional to perform the handy work for your furnace, other than cleaning.

Check your water heater

This is just another one that might be intimidating to the average homeowner. Instead of trying to explain how to repair a water heater, here are a few signs that there may be something wrong: Rusty water means the heater is likely rusting from the inside. A rumbling noise means sediment has hardened on the base of the tank, and also the longer it rattles the longer the metal tank will be broken. It is also beneficial to check your coin-operated washers and dryers to make sure they’re not in need of any commercial laundry parts. If there’s moisture around the tank, then it could mean there is a leak or puncture. Call a professional if you notice any of this occurring.

Clean your humidifier

The air can get super dry in the winter. That’s why so many families have a humidifier. If you’ve had yours running since December, then it might require cleaning. All you need to do is eliminate the water tank and check the inside for any mold or mineral deposits. You can use a toothbrush and vinegar to wash it out.

Remove ice around your home

Whether the ice is on the ground or on your roof, it can be a danger. Icicles on your eavestrough or edge of your roof are a sign of warm air leaking from the home. As safely as you are able to knock down any dangling icicles and break up ice build-up around your property. The last thing you want is a sheet of ice falling on you, a family member or a guest.

Test smoke and carbon dioxide detectors

As always, ensure that your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning, and replace batteries if necessary! Sometimes these detectors can be in hard to reach places, so in the event that you need a ladder or a seat, make sure you have a spotter.

We have a few months more of winter, so in the event that you’d like your house to continue taking care of you, then you need to take care of it!

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